As of Monday, NIU has reduced masking requirements in accordance with the CDC’s new guidelines. Masks will be optional in classrooms across campus unless otherwise indicated by the instructor or faculty. They will also continue to be required on public transportation, surveillance testing areas, and health clinics.
Despite the updated rules, Huskies preferring to continue to wear masks are encouraged to do so.
In other news, The Northern Star reports that NIU’s Student Government Association has passed a petition criticizing the university’s conduct regarding the death of Tyler Madison and requesting NIU implement an official grief policy.
Stress snowball effect
It’s nearly the midterm of the spring semester and it has already been a stressful time on campus and around the world.
Suzanne Degges-White is Chair and Professor of Counseling and Counselor Education at Northern Illinois University.
“We’ve been building up to this level of stress for quite some time and now as we begin to think things may get back to normal, the world stage is throwing another huge stress on top of things with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, " Degges-White said. "So really for college students, your focus really needs to be on what do they need to do today to be successful in their careers and their futures tomorrow.”
Degges-White says there are counseling resources on campus available for students when stress becomes overwhelming. That could include academic issues, relationships, or even stress about world events. She also says it can be helpful to take time away from social media and encourages students to focus on themselves as well as the here and now.
Campus Events
Alpha Phi Omega is holding a “Powerpoint Karaoke” event Friday night at the Holmes Student Center. Everyone attending will make a 5 to 10 minute Powerpoint of only pictures, making the crowd improvise a story based on the presentation. The event starts at 8 p.m. in Holmes 305
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will be performing their “Spring Pops” concert in the Music Building Saturday night. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. The cost to get in is $7 for students with their school ID and $18 for adults.
And on Monday night, NIU Rec Fit will hold a Dance Fitness class. You do not need to be a Rec Center member or have a Fit Pass to get in. You can also take the class virtually. Information on how to register is on the NIU Rec Center’s website.
Sports
The Huskies men’s basketball team was defeated by Kent State, ending with a score of 63-55. The team will take on the Ohio Bobcats on Friday night.
Meanwhile, the Huskies women’s basketball team lost against the Toledo Rockets coming out with a final score of 74-56.
March 5, the women’s basketball team will wrap up the regular season with a game against Central Michigan on Saturday.
Finally, the NIU women’s golf team finish out in 10th place of 12 teams at the Gold Rush held at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California.
Contributions from Gabe Fiorini, Waleed Alamleh, Madelaine Vikse, Joi Bradley, John Jurgens, and Bradnon Montemayor.